The teaching of literacy is rooted in communication. Each child has a communication target which is set with advice from a Speech and Language Therapist. The teaching of literacy runs in parallel with the teaching of communication. A multi-sensory approach is used in order to foster reading and writing skills. Daily literacy lessons are complemented by whole school initiatives such as paired reading with students from local colleges and lunch-time reading clubs. Each class has a regular visit to the school’s well-stocked library and the public library is used to research particular topics
In line with the National Numeracy Strategy, all classes have a dedicated numeracy session every day. This will vary in length and content according to the capacities of the children in the class. Teachers provide stimulating mathematical environments and tasks that take into account the needs of our children for visual clarity, sensory input and a full understanding of what each task entails. In the secondary school, numeracy is taught in line with 'The Key Stage 3 Strategy'.
All classes have weekly science lessons in accordance with the National Curriculum. At Key Stage 1, the approach is sensory, and exploration of the environment is encouraged. As in all subjects, the activities on offer are differentiated to meet the needs of the individual. Some students will continue to require a sensory teaching approach at Key Stage 2,3 and 4 while others will need a more academic approach. In the secondary department students are taught science in our well equipped specialist science room.
These subjects are important to our children both for enjoyment and because they encourage the sensory integration which is often lacking.
We have a large Hall that is well equipped with apparatus for PE. Children change into their kit for this lesson and the changing process is an important part of PSHE. Children’s attention is drawn to safety issues at all times. Each lesson is highly structured and follows the same pattern: warm up, main content, cool down.
It also supports the communication curriculum, as listening and following instructions are an important part of the lesson. We dance to music that is lively and stimulating, and we aim to make dance a time that is enjoyable and fun.
Swimming plays an important part in the physical curriculum, and children have at least one session a week in the school's well-equipped hydrotherapy pool. Older students use the full size swimming pool at Woking Leisure Centre and have formal swimming lessons.
All classes have weekly sessions dedicated to these subjects, although children in Key Stage 1 will have daily opportunities to experiment with paint and other materials as part of the sensory curriculum. There are two well-equipped art rooms – one for secondary class teaching and one which provides an area for one-one work with an art specialist.
Creativity is stimulated by the provision of a variety of materials and the teaching of different methods and styles.
We use the work of famous artists to inspire and stimulate ideas. Some children need to be taught how to paint and for them we model the small steps involved in painting a picture, and help them to do the same.
In the primary school design technology is taught in class bases. In the secondary school it is taught in our specialist room fitted out with all the tools and equipment needed to deliver the National Curriculum.
Music is very important to our children, as it can be appreciated on many levels and does not involve language. In the primary school, singing is part of each group's morning routine but is also introduced at other points of the day and is used for teaching both numeracy and literacy. Both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 have a dedicated music lesson each week, when different types of music and song are explored.
At Key Stage 2, children are introduced to famous composers, the instruments of the orchestra, variations in pitch and tempo, and simple timing. Percussion instruments are used by children throughout the school, and at the upper end of the school children are encouraged to play tuned instruments, such as the keyboard or the recorder.
In Key Stages 3 and 4, in addition to building on existing knowledge of the musical elements, different styles of music are explored and experimentation with different sounds is encouraged, leading to composition.
Computers are an excellent learning tool for children with autistic spectrum disorders and the school has a dedicated ICT suite for formal lessons. In addition, each class has its own computer which is used to underpin the curriculum. Children find out information for topics by using encyclopaedias and search engines on the Internet, as well as using the computer for word and data processing.
For those children who require extra help to access computers, we have a wide range of sensory software, as well as peripherals, including modified keyboards and switches.
